Professional Documents
Culture Documents
BS 05385-2-2015
BS 05385-2-2015
Publication history
First published February 1978
Second edition, January 1992
Third edition, September 2006
Fourth (present) edition, April 2015
Contents
Foreword ii
1 Scope 1
2 Normative references 1
3 Terms and definitions 2
4 Exchange of information and time schedule 3
5 Materials 5
6 Design 8
7 Backgrounds 11
8 Preparation of backgrounds 15
9 Cement and sand rendering 19
10 Movement joints 23
11 Application of tiles – methods and materials 27
12 Bedding in adhesives 28
13 Tile joint treatment 29
14 Application of mosaics – methods and materials 31
15 Setting out 32
16 Preparation of mosaics 32
17 Adhesive bedding methods for mosaics 33
18 Application of mosaics 33
19 Grouting of mosaics 33
20 Glass mosaics 33
21 Cleaning and maintenance 34
Annexes
Annex A (informative) Ceramic tiles and mosaics 35
Annex B (informative) Natural stone descriptions 35
Bibliography 37
List of figures
Figure 1 – Illustration of selected definitions 2
Figure 2 – Typical movement joint details in external wall tiling 25
Figure 3 – Position of movement joints in concrete frame construction at
abutment of brick/block infill 26
List of tables
Table 1 – Classification of ceramic tiles with respect to water absorption (E) and
shaping 5
Table 2 – Backgrounds: direct fixing 13
Table 3 – Backgrounds: requiring rendering 14
Summary of pages
This document comprises a front cover, an inside front cover, pages i to iv,
pages 1 to 38, an inside back cover and a back cover.
Foreword
Publishing information
This part of BS 5385 is published by BSI Standards Limited, under licence from
The British Standards Institution, and came into effect on 30 April 2015. It was
prepared by Technical Committee B/539, Ceramic tiles and other rigid tiling. A
list of organizations represented on this committee can be obtained on request
to its secretary.
Supersession
This part of BS 5385 supersedes BS 5385-2:2006, which is withdrawn.
Presentational conventions
The provisions of this standard are presented in roman (i.e. upright) type. Its
recommendations are expressed in sentences in which the principal auxiliary
verb is “should”.
Commentary, explanation and general informative material is presented in
smaller italic type, and does not constitute a normative element.
iv • © The British Standards Institution 2015 This page deliberately left blank
BRITISH STANDARD BS 5385-2:2015
1 Scope
This part of BS 5385 gives recommendations for the design and installation of
external ceramic, natural stone and mosaic wall tiles in normal climatic
conditions in the UK. It deals with the types of backgrounds and their suitability
to receive tiling using the following fixing methods:
a) bedding in cementitious or reaction resin adhesives on an intermediate
substrate or as a direct bedding method;
b) bedding mosaics in cement and sand mortar on rendering or as a direct
bedding method on appropriate backgrounds.
NOTE Cement and sand mortar is seldom used as the bed for external wall tiling
but, if needed, see BS 5385-1.
2 Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of
this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated
references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any
amendments) applies.
BS 410-1, Test sieves – Technical requirements and testing – Part 1: Test sieves of
metal wire cloth
BS 1210, Specification for wood screws
BS 4483, Steel fabric for the reinforcement of concrete – Specification
BS 4551, Mortar – Methods of test for mortar – Chemical analysis and physical
testing
BS 5385-1, Wall and floor tiling – Part 1: Design and installation of ceramic
natural stone and mosaic wall tiling in normal internal conditions – Code of
practice
BS 5974, Code of practice for the planning, design, setting up and use of
temporary suspended access equipment
BS 6100-6, Building and civil engineering – Vocabulary – Part 6: Construction
parts
BS 6213, Selection of construction sealants – Guide
BS 8000-11, Workmanship on building sites – Part 11: Internal and external wall
and floor tiling – Ceramic and agglomerated stone tiles, natural stone and
terrazzo tiles and slabs, and mosaics – Code of Practice
BS EN 197-1, Cement – Part 1: Composition, specifications and conformity criteria
for common cements
BS EN 12004:2001, Adhesives for ceramic tiles – Requirements, evaluation of
conformity, classification and designation –
BS EN 12057, Natural stone products – Modular tiles – Requirements
BS EN 12371, Natural stone test methods – Determination of frost resistance
BS EN 13139:2002, Aggregates for mortar
BS EN 13888:2009, Grouts for tiles – Requirements, evaluation of conformity,
classification and designation
BS EN 13914-1:2005, Design, preparation and application of external rendering
and internal plastering – Part 1: External rendering
BS EN 14411:2012, Ceramic tiles – Definitions, classification, characteristics,
evaluation of conformity and marking
Key
1 Adhesive bed 5 Tile or tesserae
2 Reinforcement (optional) 6 Joint
3 Cement and sand rendering 7 Grout
4 Fixing 8 Structured wall
h) supplies of cement and sand in accordance with 9.2.1 and 9.2.2; and
i) tiles, adhesives, grouts, primers and sealants.
A check should be made to ensure that all materials needed for the installation
are available.
5 Materials
5.1 Transport and storage
The delivery of materials should be arranged to minimize handling. Adequate
precautions should be taken to guard against the possibility of damage.
Materials should be stored in clean, dry, frost-free (if necessary), lockable storage
to avoid excessive handling, theft or damage.
Table 1 Classification of ceramic tiles with respect to water absorption (E) and shaping
5.3 Mosaics
NOTE Annex A contains information about mosaics.
Mosaics with any form of mesh backing should not be used.
Ceramic tesserae should conform to the relevant physical and chemical
properties given in BS EN 14411.
For mosaics that are to be fixed in locations liable to frost, ceramic tesserae
should pass the frost resistance test as described in BS EN ISO 10545-12.
Before selecting a particular type of mosaic, advice about its suitability should
be obtained from the supplier.
Natural stone for external use at above 3 m should not be larger in facial
surface area than 0.1 m2 unless secured by mechanical means (see 6.5).
5.5 Adhesives
5.5.1 General
Cementitious adhesives (C) and reaction resin adhesives (R) should conform to
BS EN 12004.
Adhesives conforming with BS EN 12004 are designed for use with ceramic tiles.
The performance characteristics set out in this standard do not apply to all types
of natural stone. For external conditions, the adhesive used should achieve the
required performance according to BS EN 12004.
5.7.2 Sealants
Joint sealants should be selected and applied in accordance with the guidance
given in BS 6213.
Sealant manufacturers’ advice should be taken into account as the properties of
individual sealants can vary. Generally, a sealant should be capable of
accommodating the anticipated amount of movement without loss of adhesion
to the sides of the joints and be able to withstand the normal service conditions
affecting the installation, e.g. resistant to water, ultraviolet light.
Where movement is large and frequent, Class 25 sealants should be used. For
joints undergoing smaller and less frequent, movement Class 20 or Class 12.5 can
be considered however where the class number is less than 20 the sealant might
not be suitable over structural movement joints. For a given extent of
movement, the narrower the joint, the higher the sealant class needed to
accommodate the movement.
NOTE Information on sealant installation is given in 10.4.
5.8 Grouts
5.8.1 General
Grouts should have good working characteristics, low shrinkage and good
adhesion to the sides of the tiles, whilst being capable of being cleaned off the
face of the tiles without undue difficulty. When selecting a grout the specifier
should establish that it is suitable for exposure to external conditions.
Mixes of this type are more suited for mosaics in cement and sand mortar beds
that are thick enough to retain sufficient dampness when re-wetted.
NOTE The physical properties of cement and sand mortar grouts are generally
inferior to those of proprietary grouts, which provide performance and properties
that are more consistent.
Neat cement mixed with water should not be used as a grout for external tiling
except for pre-grouting paper-faced mosaics with narrow joints.
5.9 Reinforcement and metal lath for cement and sand rendering
Metal reinforcement should be of austenitic stainless steel wire conforming to
BS 4483. The wire should be 2.5 mm diameter welded into a mesh size of
approximately 50 mm × 50 mm. Fixings should be of austenitic stainless steel.
The type of fixing depends upon the background.
Galvanized reinforcement as recommended in BS 5385-1 should not be used in
external rendering, except where it might be suitable for small areas in
sheltered locations.
6 Design
6.1 Initial considerations
In the early stages of designing external wall tiling, consideration should be
given to the following:
a) type, size and colour of tile;
b) type and width of the joints;
c) type, height and age of backgrounds (see Clause 7);
d) method and materials to be used for bedding or mechanically fixing the
tiles (see Clause 6.5, Clause 12 and Clause 17); and
e) position and requirements for movement joints (see Clause 10).
The effect created by the joints is an integral feature of tiling and should be
taken into consideration at the design stage. This is particularly so in some forms
of mosaic and decorative tiling where the directions of the joints form an
integral part of the design. Joint widths should be as uniform as possible
throughout the installation (see 6.3.3).
As it is usual for the colour of joints to contrast with the colour of the tiles to
some degree the natural colour of the grout is normally satisfactory. However, it
should be noted that if the colour of the grout and that of the tile is too
contrasting it could lead to very small differences in joint width becoming
noticeable.
Tinted grouts should be used with caution as variation in colour can occur and
fading or deposits of atmospheric dirt can, over a period of time, nullify the
intended effect. Where joints are strongly defined and/or form an important
part of the design, consideration should be given as to whether the sizes of
walls, openings and margins should be planned to accommodate whole tiles.
Cement and sand and proprietary mortar grouts are resistant to wet and
freeze/thaw conditions but should not be treated as impervious. Modified
cementitious mortars can inhibit water penetration; however, if a totally
impervious joint is required, an epoxide resin grout should be used, but it
should be appreciated that even when impervious tiles are grouted with an
impervious epoxide resin grout, the tiling system as a whole cannot be
considered to be an impervious finish.
6.3.4.3 Sills
Preformed units designed to provide weatherproof protection to the structure
should be specified for sills. These should be suitably bedded to form an
adequate seal over the top of the tiling below. Where there is less risk of water
penetration, sills can be tiled to provide a self-draining sloping surface with
nosings overhanging the tiling below and with all joints completely filled.
NOTE Improved protection can be provided by the use of epoxide resin grout.
Where natural stone is used, a minimum slope of 4.5° should be used.
The practice of continuing mosaic tiling over sill ledges is not recommended.
Tiling should not be carried across the exposed edges of horizontal damp-proof
courses without a break, since it can transmit moisture past the damp-proof
course and make it ineffective; furthermore, movement of the building on the
damp-proof course can cause damage to the cladding. The top edge of tiling
immediately beneath a damp-proof course should be protected by the latter,
which should be designed to project through the tiling to serve as a flashing.
Suitable provision should be made to discharge water from damp-proof courses
through the tiling (see 7.2).
7 Backgrounds
7.1 General
Backgrounds should have sufficient strength to support the weight of the whole
tiling system.
NOTE 1 Properties of background materials that determine their suitability for the
installation of tiling or mosaic work include integral strength, freedom from
contamination, trueness of construction, physical key, porosity, suction, moisture
movement, thermal movement, drying shrinkage and creep.
The drying shrinkage movement expected of concrete and concrete products varies
according to the type of aggregate used and/or the free water:cement ratio.
Dense backgrounds should be left to dry out sufficiently to allow initial drying
shrinkage to take place. In warm, dry, well-ventilated conditions the time
required for the initial drying out is not less than six weeks. In conditions, which
are cold, damp, poorly ventilated, etc., drying shrinkage can take longer than six
months before preparation commences to receive rendering or tiling. Porous
backgrounds should be protected from rain. Before starting work, it should be
ensured that the temperature of the background is at the least 5 °C, irrespective
of the ambient temperature.
NOTE 2 Table 2 and Table 3 summarize the properties of backgrounds, their
preparation and the suitability of fixing materials.
Background Details Material for direct fixing of tiles and mosaics Drying Surface Preparation of background
Cementitious Reaction resin Cement and shrinkage character/ Fixing with For rendering
adhesives adhesives sand mortar movement Suction adhesive or cement and
(see Note 2) (see 7.1) sand mortar
bedding
Clay: bricks, Tiles and C S U Negligible. Very low See 8.3.4 See 8.2.2.4
BRITISH STANDARD
13
14
Table 3 Backgrounds: requiring rendering
•
Background Details Drying shrinkage Surface character/ Preparation of background
movement (see 7.1) Suction Fixing with For rendering or
adhesive cement and sand
mortar bedding
BS 5385-2:2015
Concrete: in situ or Dense aggregate Can vary from low to Low to moderate See 8.3.1 and 8.3.2 See 8.2.2.2
precast moderate
Lightweight aggregate: Moderate to high Moderate to high See 8.2.4.2
open surface
Lightweight aggregate: Moderate to high Moderate
closed surface
Autoclaved aerated Moderate to high Moderate to high
Concrete: blocks Dense aggregate A) Moderate to high Low to moderate See 8.3.1 See 8.2.2.2
and bricks
Lightweight aggregate Moderate to high Moderate to high See 8.2.4.2
Clay: bricks, blocks High-density bricks and Negligible. Might expand Low See 8.2.2.1
and tiles blocks slightly
Normal bricks and blocks Negligible. Might expand Moderate or high See 8.2.3.1
slightly
Dense aggregate Can vary from low to Low to moderate See 8.3.1 and 8.3.2 See 8.2.2.2
moderate
Other surfaces Wood-based panel Moderate to high True and smooth See 8.3.1 and See 8.2.5.3
products
8.3.3
Paintwork N/A N/A Unsuitable See 8.2.5.2
A)
Confirm with the block manufacturer that the treatment recommended is appropriate to the product.
NOTE 1 Properties of backgrounds indicate only relative characteristics of the materials.
NOTE 2 Cement and sand mortar is seldom used for fixing tiles externally and has been included in this Table as an alternative method of fixing mosaics or for
historic restoration work. For fixing tiles in cement and sand mortar see BS 5385-1.
NOTE 3 S denotes “suitable”, U denotes “unsuitable” and C denotes “confirm adhesive’s suitability with manufacturer”.
BRITISH STANDARD
BRITISH STANDARD BS 5385-2:2015
8 Preparation of backgrounds
8.1 General
NOTE The suitability of a background to receive tiling depends on the quality of its
surface relative to the various methods and materials that can be used to fix the
tiles. It might be necessary to introduce some intermediate treatment of which the
following are examples:
a) hacking back and making good the background prior to application of any
intermediate substrate;
b) application of a bonding agent to improve the adhesion;
c) keying of the surface;
d) welded stainless steel mesh reinforcement anchored to the background;
e) utilizing an intermediate substrate to provide the necessary measure of suction
and/or accuracy.
All backgrounds should be inspected for contamination and any potentially
deleterious material should be removed.
Backgrounds not built accurately to a true plane, or having surfaces that are
uneven, might have deviations too great to be accommodated within the
recommended render thickness. In such cases, the background should be cut
back and/or made good as a separate operation. Where backgrounds are bricks,
blocks or concrete, it is recommended that a rendering should be applied to
provide a true surface.
Tile beds of thicknesses greater than those recommended in Clause 11 should
not be used to accommodate inaccuracies in a background surface, especially if
the bed thickness is not consistent throughout the installation. This can give rise
to variable stresses and possible loss of adhesion or cracking.
Separately from the need to correct irregularities, rendering is still
recommended. The benefits derived from the use of thin-bed adhesives as a bed
for tiling are realized only when the adhesives can be spread to a consistent
thickness in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations; thus the
accurate surface that can be provided by a rendering makes an important
contribution to the cladding tiling system as a whole.
8.2.4.3 Soft natural stone masonry and soft calcium silicate bricks
Rendering to soft natural stone masonry and soft calcium silicate bricks should
be applied through anchored reinforcement as described in 9.4.
8.3.4 Existing glazed tile, unglazed tile and glazed brick surfaces
If existing glazed tile, unglazed tile and glazed brick surfaces are sound and
stable they are suitable for tiling with adhesives but the surfaces should be
thoroughly cleaned and/or abraded to completely remove all traces of grime,
grease and other contaminants that could impair adhesion. Existing tiles should
be sufficiently well adhered to support the new tile bed and withstand any
stresses between the new tile bed and backing from thermal effects. Advice
should be sought from adhesive manufacturers for suitable adhesives.
9.2 Materials
9.2.1 Cement
The cement for cement and sand mortar beds to be used for bedding mosaics
and key-backed extruded tiles should be one of the following:
a) Portland cement (CEM I) conforming to BS EN 197-1;
b) Calcium aluminate cement (high alumina cement) conforming to
BS EN 14647:2005.
WARNING. Cement of all types to be used with care, because of the possible
risk of adverse skin effects. Suppliers’ material safety data sheets obtained at
the exchange of information stage described in 4.1g) should be used as a
basis for assessing and managing the risk associated with its use in a
particular application.
Cement should be stored under dry conditions and used in order of delivery.
Cement that contains air set lumps should not be used.
9.2.2 Sand
9.2.2.1 General
All stocks of sand should be protected from rain, frost and any form of
contamination.
9.2.2.2 Sand for cement and sand rendering and mortar beds for mosaics
NOTE For guidance see the first entry under “Plastering or rendering” in
PD 6682-3:2003, Table A.1.
Sand conforming to BS EN 13139:2002 recommended European
designation 0/2 (CP or MP), Category 2 fines, is recommended for cement and
sand rendering and mortar beds for mosaics.
The reinforcement should be applied with the horizontal wires outwards and
should be fixed by means of 50 mm × 10 mm austenitic stainless steel anchors,
or by drilling holes for plastics anchors to receive stainless steel screws with
countersunk heads. Tapered, not parallel-sided, screws should be used of at
least 38 mm × 10 mm gauge, conforming to BS 1210. Plastics anchors should be
approximately 50 mm in length although 40 mm can be used in dense strong
background materials. Fixings should be set at approximately 450 mm centres in
both directions, staggered, and located so that the horizontal wires rest on the
screws, thus providing direct support for the mesh. Vertical wires of the mesh
should be spaced approximately 4 mm from the background by stainless steel or
plastic washers placed as the screws are inserted.
Sheets of mesh should overlap by approximately 100 mm at all junctions
including external angles. They should either be secured to the fixings by
austenitic stainless steel binding wire at 1.22 mm diameter, twisted tightly with
its ends turned inwards, or the mesh should be cramped back by placing
stainless steel washers on the inner and outer faces under the heads of the
fixing screws or bolts thus holding the mesh firmly against the spacers.
A slurry coat of neat cement should be brushed on the background and the
mesh; whilst this is still wet, the rendering should be applied, working around
and through the wires and ensuring that the rendering is in full contact with
the background and that the mesh is covered by a thickness of
approximately 7 mm.
Spatterdash can be used instead of slurry and should be a mix of 1:2 cement and
sand by volume, thrown by mechanical means or by a dashing scoop over the
background to an average thickness of approximately 3 mm, then allowed to
dry slowly in order to cure before the rendering is applied.
Where, in order to bring the background to the desired plane, it is necessary to
apply dubbing or a first coat of rendering in thicknesses in excess of 20 mm, a
slurry coat or spatterdash should be applied; this should be followed by the
dubbing or rendering in single coats each 8 mm to 13 mm in thickness, combed
and then cured as described in 9.3 before the reinforcing mesh is fixed. It is not
advisable to exceed a total thickness of 25 mm of dubbing or rendering before
the mesh is fixed and further rendering is applied.
10 Movement joints
10.1 General
Consideration should be given at the design stage to the provision of movement
joints. The type and location of movement joints are influenced by
considerations of construction, materials, bedding systems, anticipated
temperature and humidity conditions, areas involved and the setting out of the
tiling.
Sealants and back-up materials for movement joints should be in accordance
with 5.7.
NOTE Stresses occur in the tiled installation as a result of movement due to such
factors as drying shrinkage and moisture, thermal changes and creep. These stresses
can cause loss of adhesion, bulging or cracking of the tiling but they can be
localized by incorporating movement joints.
10.2 Location
Movement joints should be located in the tiled installation to coincide and be
continuous with all existing structural movement joints, although they are
isolated by suitable thicknesses of back-up material.
Where tiles are fixed to an intermediate substrate, the movement joint should
extend through the intermediate substrate.
Where backgrounds are mature and stable, the movement joints in the tiling,
which are not to be confused with structural movement joints, should extend
only through the tiling and its bed, and should be a minimum of 6 mm wide.
Typical movement joint details are shown in Figure 2 and an example of their
positions in Figure 3.
Figure 3 Position of movement joints in concrete frame construction at abutment of brick/block infill
Key
1 Grout 5 Sealant 9 Adhesive bed
2 Bricks or concrete block 6 Joint filler board
3 Back-up strip 7 Tile
4 Concrete slab or edge-beam 8 Rendering
11.1 Workmanship
Tiles should be applied using experienced technical supervision and the
employment of skilled operatives working safely using protective clothing and
equipment where appropriate in accordance with BS 8000-11.
NOTE Attention is drawn to the requirements of:
• Manual Handling Operations Regulations [3]
• Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations [4]
• Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations [5]
• Noise at Work Regulations [6]
• Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations [7].
12 Bedding in adhesives
12.1 General
The method to be adopted for fixing tiles should achieve solid bedding. It is
important to follow the precise recommendations of the adhesive manufacturers
concerning, for example, the type of trowel, the mixing procedure, the working
time after spreading and the suitability of the background.
Whichever adhesive is selected for fixing, it should conform to 5.5.
12.2 Backgrounds
Surfaces for which adhesives are suitable are given in Table 2. The backgrounds
should be dry and the surface should not be dampened before applying the
adhesive.
The trueness of the background surface needed for adhesive beds should be in
accordance with 11.6. Where the gap exceeds 3 mm, local correction of the
background by dubbing out up to 6 mm thick can sometimes be conducted
using the same adhesive, but advice on this should be sought from the
manufacturer of the adhesive.
The preparation of various backgrounds to receive adhesives and the
precautions that should be adopted in each instance are described in 8.3.
12.3 Inspection
Before fixing commences, any significant shade or colour variations between
tiles, particularly if not intended, should be confirmed as acceptable by the
designer. Variegated tiles should be thoroughly mixed by selecting from a
number of boxes as fixing proceeds.
NOTE A wide range of grouts is available for filling the joints between tiles. The
methods to be employed in using these products are described
in 13.2, 13.3 and 13.4.
When using proprietary grouts, usually the joint cavities are not wetted,
however when grouting with cement and sand there should be dampness in the
joint cavity.
14.2 Workmanship
Mosaics should be applied using experienced technical supervision and the
employment of skilled operatives working safely using protective clothing and
equipment where appropriate in accordance with BS 8000-11.
NOTE Attention is drawn to the requirements of:
• Manual Handling Operations Regulations [3]
• Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations [4]
• Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations [5]
15 Setting out
Drawings provided for designs and murals should be checked before any fixing
commences.
The setting out of the finished work should be controlled from a given datum.
To ensure the rows of tesserae are truly horizontal, a level line should be
established to position the starting row of sheets.
A gauge rod should be made indicating the overall measurement of a given
number of sheets of mosaic with the specified joint widths. Using this rod the
best arrangement of sheets should be determined so that, as far as possible,
uncut tesserae occur at external corners and prominent features and cut tesserae
are located at internal corners where they are less noticeable.
No attempt should be made to minimize cutting of the tesserae by adjusting
joint widths where the bedding has partly set since this could break the bond
between the tesserae and the bedding. This condition can arise if a long interval
is allowed to elapse between the fixing and the removal of any paper facing.
16 Preparation of mosaics
All mosaics should be inspected and any damaged tesserae should be removed
and replaced. Designs and murals should be laid out for inspection prior to
fixing.
The paper of paper-faced mosaics should be clear of the edges to assist with
joint alignment whilst the sheets are being fixed.
18 Application of mosaics
Sheets of mosaic should be fixed in horizontal lines. Each sheet should be hung
in position as accurately as possible and tapped with a laying-on trowel, or
wooden beater, so that full contact with the bed is achieved.
Horizontal and vertical alignment should be checked as the work proceeds.
The joint width between the tesserae established when the mosaics were
assembled should be maintained between the sheets, otherwise the overall
appearance of the mosaic is marred by the outline of the sheets.
Sheets of mosaic that have been pre-grouted should have the joints between
them filled with grout as the work proceeds.
A straightedge should be used to ensure that the surface of the mosaic is true as
defined in 14.3.
After the sheets have been firmly tapped in place, any facing papers should be
removed by soaking and sponging; then, before the bedding sets, any necessary
adjustment of tesserae or joints should be carried out.
Any surplus cement or adhesive remaining on the face of the mosaic should be
removed before it sets.
19 Grouting of mosaics
NOTE The information given in 13.1 for the treatment of tile joints should be
followed.
With paper-faced mosaics the grout should be similar in type and colour to that
used for any pre-grouting.
Where epoxy resin is to be used, sheets should be pre-grouted with specified
grout before being fixed.
The grout should be rubbed over the surface to fill the joints, either as the work
proceeds or when it is sufficiently firm, and the surface given a preliminary
cleaning.
After the grout has hardened sufficiently, the surface of the mosaic should be
washed over with water and left clean.
When a proprietary grouting material is used, the manufacturer’s instructions
for cleaning off should be followed.
20 Glass mosaics
Glass mosaics supplied paper-faced should always be pre-grouted with neat
cement before being fixed.
When fixing glass mosaics on a thin-bed of adhesive the recommendations of
the adhesive manufacturer should be sought before fixing commences.
21.2 Maintenance
Tiling should be regularly inspected for any defect in the tile surface or joints,
which could occur as a result of background movement or climatic changes. Such
defects should be rectified before they deteriorate and lead, for instance, to
water penetration via cracks and possibly more serious problems for the
installation.
Provision should be made for access to external elevations for regular cleaning,
maintenance and close inspection of the tiling and the condition and movement
of joint sealants.
Care should be exercised in the choice of suitable joint sealants to ensure that
the stated manufacturer’s expected effective life is adequate for the particular
conditions.
A.2 Mosaics
Mosaics can be glazed and unglazed ceramic, glass and natural stones. They are
available in a variety of shapes and sizes.
To facilitate handling, mosaics are assembled as sheets, the individual tesserae
being adhered either face side down to paper (paper-faced mosaics) or silicone
dot mounted.
Paper-faced or dot mounted mosaics allow maximum contact with the bed, i.e.
mortar or adhesive.
B.2 Sandstone
The term sandstone is used to describe almost any stone of sedimentary origin
with a granular texture. Some other types of stone that might fall under this
classification include gritstones, siltstones, greywackes, conglomerates and marls.
Aside from particle size variations, the dominant factor affecting sandstone
performance is the grain cement that might be siliceous, calcareous, clay bearing
or iron-rich.
B.3 Quartzites
Quartzites are typically the metamorphosed product of an original sedimentary
rock, e.g. sandstone, composed almost entirely of quartz.
B.4 Slate
The term slate is often used to describe any rock that can be easily split into thin
sheets, principally for roofing purposes. True slate is defined by the presence of
a “slaty” cleavage; this allows the slate to be split at almost any point through
the stone parallel to the cleavage plane. Most true slates are metamorphosed
sediments, often formerly mudstones; however, some British “slates” are derived
from volcanic ash sequences and are not true slates in the strict geological sense.
B.5 Limestone
Limestone is a sedimentary rock. Many of the commonly used varieties were
formed by the accretion of the hard remains of former organisms such as corals
and shells. These materials principally comprise calcium carbonate (calcite), as
does the cement. Calcite is a relatively soft mineral and places many restrictions
on the way limestone is to be used. Variations in the types and quantities of
shell and other remains and the nature of the cement provide a huge range in
the types of limestone available.
B.6 Marble
True marbles in the geological sense are metamorphosed limestone and are
principally composed of recrystallised calcite formed into an interlocking
granular structure. Some hard or partially metamorphosed limestones are
incorrectly referred to as marble, even though they exhibit many of the
characteristics of marble.
Marble is unlikely to be suitable for external use.
B.7 Travertine
Travertine is the name normally given to a type of precipitated calcite associated
with the cooling of waters around hot springs or in caves. The performance of
travertine greatly depends on the size and frequency of the voids, which, in
most instances, are routinely resin surface filled before the finished stone is
supplied.
Vein-cut travertine is most appropriate for external use.
Bibliography
Standards publications
For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the
latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
BS 5385-4, Wall and floor tiling – Part 4: Design and installation of ceramic and
mosaic tiling in special conditions – Code of practice
BS 8298-4, Code of practice for the design and installation of natural stone
cladding and lining – Part 4: Rainscreen and stone on metal frame cladding
systems
BS 8000-16, Workmanship on building sites – Part 16: Code of practice for
sealing joints in buildings using sealants
BS EN 1008, Mixing water for concrete – Specification for sampling, testing and
assessing the suitability of water, including water recovered from processes in
the concrete industry, as mixing water for concrete
PD 6682-3:2003, Aggregates – Part 3: Aggregates for mortar – Guidance on the
use of BS EN 13139
Other publications
[1] GREAT BRITAIN. Building and Construction Regulations under the Factories
Act. London: The Stationery Office.
[2] GREAT BRITAIN. Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations.
London: The Stationery Office.
[3] GREAT BRITAIN. Manual Handling Operations Regulations. London: The
Stationery Office.
[4] GREAT BRITAIN. Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations.
London: The Stationery Office.
[5] GREAT BRITAIN. Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations.
London: The Stationery Office.
[6] GREAT BRITAIN. Noise at Work Regulations. London: The Stationery Office.
[7] GREAT BRITAIN. Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations.
London: The Stationery Office.
[8] GREAT BRITAIN. The Cleaning of Ceramic Tiles. Staffordshire: The Tile
Association.
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